New Jersey Judiciary Recognizes Juror Appreciation Week

The New Jersey Judiciary is highlighting Juror Appreciation Week as an opportunity to recognize the contributions to justice made by citizens who serve as jurors.

Juror Appreciation Week, May 2-6, is linked closely with Law Day, which has been celebrated on May 1 since 1958 as “a day of national dedication to the principles of government under law.”

“Jurors perform one of the highest duties an individual can be called to fulfill. Their service ensures that justice is administered fairly and guarantees the Constitutional right of an individual’s trial by their peers. We want jurors to know we appreciate their contributions, particularly during the challenges of the Covid- 19 pandemic,” said Glenn A. Grant, administrative director of the courts.

The Judiciary implemented a hybrid approach to jury service during the Covid-19 pandemic when trials were temporarily suspended during peaks of the public health crisis.

The initial phase of jury selection is now conducted virtually, while the final phase of selection and most jury trials are held in person.

A New Jersey resident can be summoned for one of three types of jury service: as a petit juror, a grand juror, or a state grand juror.

Petit jury service includes criminal and civil trials. Jurors determine defendants’ guilt or innocence in criminal trials or determine liability or damages in civil trials.

Grand jurors determine whether there is sufficient evidence to move forward with criminal charges against a defendant.

A grand juror can serve either in his or her county or in Trenton on a state grand jury panel that has statewide jurisdiction and representation.